MTFCA Forum

I am wanting to buy one of these axle cradle tools that mount to a bench and holds the rear axle housing for assembly. Apparently, the vendors don't sell them anymore. Does anybody have one that they are willing to let go of?

I just bolted two 2x4's to my bench extending out far enough to cradle the housing, and screwed in cross boards between the two to keep the housing secure and resting on 4 points.
$5 vs $100, worked fine for me anyway.

I have a friend who cut his out of a steel plate.
A sliced hose edging keeps from scratching the paint for him.

If you can't find one, I use a different design wood setup and it has worked for probably a dozen rears.
I screw it to sawhorses and put cross ties on it to support the driveshaft.
I run the 2x4's up the driveshaft with cross blocks to support the driveshaft.
I made mine open ended so I don't have to lift the assembly out of the support.
It is more vulnerable to being knocked off but you could add small stop blocks or a strap to lower that chance.
Right now it is stashed in the corner not having a current need for it.

Whatever you use make sure that it supports the housing high enough so the axle does not hit the floor.
I used the short sawhorses only the first time!
Mike

Scott, I think your answer starts by knowing if this is for a one-time project -or a tool that will be used multiple times. If multiple times, -and if you are handy with wood, a 4'x4' sheet of ¾" Plywood from your local big box store is your friend. Rip into 3 equal widths (approx 16" ea) and glue together to make a true 2" thick board. Duplicate the shape of the one in your pictures and paint it to preserve. You will have a tool that you can bolt to your workbench that will be robust enough and last forever.

I believe our friend mr. Steve Jelf made this one

Biscuit joined to 2"x6" & cut out the end like Steve Jelf's above. Then just clamped onto my power miter-box stand. Easy set up and take apart when not in use --
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had a damaged axle (key chipped out) and used to peen brake cam
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